Likelihood to return: we're neighbours, I'll be back next week

Food/Coffee: Food 4.8/5, Coffee 4/5.

Chillness: 4.9 chill chairs! This would be my place to hang out!

A year ago I arrived in Dublin and I was pleasantly surprised with the food scene. I have definitely observed quite an entrepreneurial spirit here, I thought my hometown Calgary was filled with start-ups and the like but as one Dubliner recently said, well if you don’t 'make it' yourself, nobody else is going to just give it to you.

I’m fortunate to have a husband that knows how much I love, love, LOVE food- he is probably the source of all my up and coming food knowledge.

Forest Avenue is a restaurant set up by husband and wife team Sandy & John. I didn’t have the opportunity to attend any of their previous pop-ups, 'The Supper Club', but this is the real thing so we make it count! We walked in just on Sussex Terrace, a block off the canal and we were completely caught off guard. Unsuspecting place. The space is minimal and white, but decorated tastefully, loft-like high ceiling in the entrance; then to the left there’s an espresso & brewed coffee set-up. I’m feeling quite at home now.

The photos will speak for themselves. I’m really trying to write more succinctly or not at all.

[insert snacks here] ;)

Can i just say that the bread is out of this world? I don't want to get your hopes up but ask for the potato bread, or the toasted walnut bread....

The open kitchen made for an intimate meal where we were able to observe the chefs at work without even getting in their way. This kitchen is well on their way to wow-ing Dublin; their composure, and friendly, authentic staff were beyond 'grand' and made us feel so at home.

Now, I know that people were hesitant about our opinions. I think probably five people asked how our coffee was that night. Honestly, it was great. The detail, tasting notes, and information on the farm that Cloud Picker Coffee Roasters provided is just testament to the growth of coffee culture in Dublin. They say there is a Resident menu for Weds & Thursdays, an abridged taster of our meal - but I am so excited that our neighbourhood has this new resident to feed our gullets